Trans councillor quits role after ‘vicious string of abuse’

Scotland’s only openly-trans councillor is quitting frontline politics after a “vicious and sustained string of abuse”.

Dundee councillor Gregor Murray said the decision was made for the good of the city’s SNP-led administration and their mental wellbeing.

In a letter to leader of the local authority John Alexander - which was posted on social media - they explained why they were standing down from position as convenor of the Children and Families Service Committee and as spokesperson for Equal Opportunities.

The councillor, who is gender non-binary and prefers the “they” pronoun, said: “As well as issues surrounding my personal life, I have also been subjected to a vicious and sustained string of abuse across various social media channels, a small fraction of which you have witnessed.

“This has led me to make a number of wrong judgements in communicating with people who campaign against my fundamental human rights.

“I have not handled this situation well in the slightest. I have used language that is inappropriate for someone in my position, which is causing an unnecessary distraction from the fantastic work that this administration is doing for the city.

“The points that I have been trying to make have been lost due the ways in which I have expressed them, and I feel as though I am not being a helpful member of your administration or of the LGBTI community.

“Therefore I believe it is in the best interests of the administration, my constituents, our party and my own health if I take a step back at this time, in order to resolve my own issues.”

Councillor Murray added: “As the only openly trans person elected in Scotland, it has not been easy dealing with the sustained and vindictive nature of some of the personal attacks and threats to my life that I have received over the past few months, and I must thank you for all of the time and support you have given to me.

“I would never have achieved half of what I have without your continued belief in me.

“While many write me off due to my age or gender identity, you put your trust in me, and I apologise on a deeply personal level if I have disappointed you in this regard.”